The origin of life on Earth is a topic that has piqued human curiosity since probably before recorded history began. But how did the organic matter that constitutes lifeforms even arrive at our planet? Though this is still a subject of debate among scholars and practitioners in related fields, one approach to answering this question involves finding and studying complex organic…
Tag: outer space
A quantum thermometer to measure the coldest temperatures in the universe
Physicists from Trinity College Dublin have proposed a thermometer based on quantum entanglement that can accurately measure temperatures a billion times colder than those in outer space. …
Visualize the Perseid meteor stream in space
This visualization by Ian Webster and Peter Jenniskens uses NASA data to render known Perseid meteoroids in space. Don’t miss this! Source: https://earthsky.org/todays-image/visualization-perseid-meteor-stream-ian-webster…
Is there life below the Martian surface?
Galactic cosmic rays are high energy particles from explosive events like supernovae, zinging through our solar system, constantly bombarding both Earth and Mars. A researcher suggests they supply enough energy to make subsurface life on Mars possible. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/is-there-life-below-the-martian-surface…
Why outer space matters in a post-pandemic world
With all of the immense challenges we face on Earth this year, space can feel like an afterthought. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-07-outer-space-post-pandemic-world.html…
Explainer: A theoretical cosmologist describes how large black holes really are, and the ‘point of no return’
Black holes are among the most fascinating phenomena of outer space, and we’re learning more about them all the time. Just last week, a group of astronomers published a paper documenting a rare visible collision of black holes, which produced a flash of light that allowed scientists to see the event from Earth. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-06-theoretical-cosmologist-large-black-holes.html…
Who was the 1st woman in space?
On June 16, 1963, cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched solo aboard a Soviet Vostok 6 rocket, becoming the first-ever woman in space. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/this-date-in-science-first-woman-in-space…
The costly collateral damage from Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite fleet
A colossal chess game of immense consequences is being fought in outer space, right now. On March 18 and April 22 2020, two rockets from SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, each put 60 satellites into orbit. Those launches are but the sixth and seventh in a series intended to rapidly make 1,584 satellites available. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-05-costly-collateral-elonmusk-starlink-satellite.html…
As Russia Stalks US Satellites, a Space Arms Race May Be Heating Up
Russia “is now challenging the United States’ long-standing supremacy in space and working to exploit the U.S. military’s dependence on space systems for communications, navigation, intelligence, and targeting.” That’s the argument made in The Bulletin by a former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer who writes about technology and military strategy, Cold War history, and European security affairs (in an article shared…
Last Antarctic sunset
This was the last sunset – prior to several months of winter darkness – at Concordia Research Station in Antarctica. Scientists at the station are studying how living in extreme conditions affects the human body and mind. Source: https://earthsky.org/todays-image/photo-last-antarctic-sunset-may-2020…